Write a Short Story

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Write a short story using the Jack Gantos “formula”.

Beginning Your Story:
  • HOOK: Grab your reader’s attention.
    • Start in the middle of the action.
    • Give a mysterious description of the main character.
    • Write something thought provoking about the problem.
  • DEVELOP THE CHARACTER(S) AND SETTING
    • Include details in a character’s thoughts.
    • Include details in a character’s words.
    • Include descriptive adjectives and adverbs.
    • Include descriptions in the narrator’s voice.
  • PROBLEM/SITUATION
    • Make sure the problem is clear.
    • Your reader should have enough information to figure it out.
    • You don’t have to specifically write it.

The Middle:
  • Use DIALOGUE to move the story along.
  • Build up to the CLIMAX/CRISIS/MOMENT OF DISCOVERY.
  • Skip over the boring parts or write them into a few quick sentences if it’s necessary for the reader to know.

Ending Your Story:
  • The RESOLUTION should solve the main problem.
  • If there were other small problems, wrap them up too.
  • The EMOTIONAL/MENTAL CHANGE IN THE CHARACTER should be present in their thoughts and/or actions either told through him or the narrator.
  • The THEME/MORAL LESSON should be clear to the reader.
  • It doesn’t have to end “Happily Ever After” but readers do need to know it’s come to an end.

Title:
  • Think of a catchy title.
  • Try and tie it to your theme or use the theme as a symbol like Jack did in “Copycat”.

Remember: